After-Market Compartments

An “after-market compartment” is a compartment in a vehicle which is not included in the original design and which is installed in a vehicle after it’s manufactured. Under the Armoured Vehicle and After-Market Compartment Control Act and Regulation, it is illegal to own, operate or use a vehicle that contains an after-market compartment.

This prohibition does not apply to storage compartments or safes designed for after-market installation and sold by automotive or security equipment vendors. However, these compartments or safes must not be incorporated into a vehicle in a manner that is not intended by the manufacturer.

If you install an after-market compartment in a vehicle, you must contact the police immediately and provide:

The name and address of the owner of the vehicle

The make, model and year of the vehicle

Where in the vehicle the compartment has been placed and how the compartment can be opened

A business that fails to report an after-market compartment installation could face a fine up to $100,000. An individual who fails to report an installation could face a fine up to $10,000 and six months in jail. Additional fines can also be issued under the Offence Act.